The statement follows Europe’s move to reimpose UN sanctions, raising doubts about whether diplomacy or confrontation will dominate the next phase. (Image Credits: MSN)
Iran has expressed readiness to return to the negotiating table over its disputed nuclear programme, but only if Western nations demonstrate what it calls "goodwill and seriousness."
Tehran Responds to European Move
The statement came from Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, on Thursday, just hours after Britain, France, and Germany, the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal — triggered a process to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Tehran. The move marked a sharp escalation in tensions between Iran and Western powers.
In a letter addressed to European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Araqchi reaffirmed Iran’s stance.
“Iran is ready to resume fair and balanced diplomatic negotiations, on the condition that the other parties show seriousness and goodwill and avoid actions that harm the chances of success,” Araqchi wrote.
The emphasis on "fair" negotiations reflects Tehran’s long-standing position that the West must not only lift sanctions but also refrain from unilateral measures that could undermine talks.
Diplomatic analysts note that the timing of Iran’s statement, immediately after the European powers’ sanctions move, signals both a warning and an opening. Iran seems to be testing whether Europe and Washington are willing to make compromises by promoting talks while denouncing harsh actions.
Also Read: U.S. Pulls Out of U.N. Human Rights Review | A Historic Retreat Under Trump
The development comes as global efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), remain stalled. The U.S. had withdrawn from the pact under former President Donald Trump, reimposing crippling sanctions. Subsequent administrations have had difficulty regaining both parties' trust and cooperation.
While Araqchi’s message keeps the door open for diplomacy, the precondition of “goodwill” leaves uncertainty. Western officials have not yet publicly responded to the letter, but European leaders have consistently expressed frustration at what they call Iran’s non-compliance with nuclear restrictions.
